Backcountry Archives - Powderheadz.com

If you combine the thrilling rush you get cutting through fresh snow down the mountainside with the gorgeous view and camaraderie you get during a backpacking trip, you’ve got backcountry skiing. Between hiking up the slopes and riding them back down to the ski lodge, you’ll need a variety of equipment to keep you safe and warm on the slopes.

While there are plenty of options and accessories available on the market, these 8 essentials will surely get you started and prepped for your next backcountry skiing trip:

1. Skis And Poles

You obviously want to do your research and find the best skis for you before you head out. Make sure you also have poles that are adjustable for your hike as well. When you’re navigating the backcountry, you’ll need to cater your poles to steep slopes and various inclines as you go.

2. Weather Gear

Backcountry skiing is a very different experience than traditional skiing, where you’ll need a puffy coat, snow pants, gloves, goggles and a helmet. For the backcountry, you’ll also want a vest or lighter jacket to wear while you’re hiking, as well as a hat and a second pair of gloves. Remember, you’ll probably work up a bit of a sweat while hiking, so your weather gear will need to be suited to both the journey up and down the mountain and it may mean having a few options with you.

3. Navigational Tools

It’s always wise to carry a paper map and compass with you, even if you have a GPS or signaling device. You never know when you’ll lose service in the great outdoors, after all. Mark your route beforehand so you stay on course as well.

4. Light And Heat Sources

Depending on whether you’re making a day trip or staying overnight in a hut or yurt, you’ll want to make sure you have a headlamp or flashlight with you, as well as heat sources like matches or an ultralight backpack stove for cooking. These are not only for your comfort, but for your safety while out on the mountain.

5. Sunscreen

Even though it’s cold outside in the snow, you’re still vulnerable to the sun while backcountry skiing. The sun often reflects off of the bright snow, making sunburn a very real possibility. Pack some sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses to keep with you at all times, and make sure you reapply as needed.

6. Food And Water

Backcountry skiing takes a lot of energy out of you, so it’s important to stay energized and fuel your body with high-calorie and high-protein foods. If you’re just skiing for the day, pack some energy bars and water to eat throughout your trek. If you’re planning a longer excursion, you may want to find creative ways to pack other food so you can have a hot meal or two along the way.

7. Emergency Supplies

No one wants to imagine an emergency situation, but it’s important to keep in mind when packing for a backcountry skiing trip. Throw a small first aid kit in your pack with bandages, gauze and antiseptic, at the minimum, to handle any scratches or scrapes you get during your trip. Also, make sure you’ve packed some form of emergency shelter, such as a tarp or a single-person tent, even if you don’t plan on using it. Emergency supplies will give you the peace of mind you need on the slopes.

8. Repair Kit

Stuff happens, and your gear may need a quick repair along the way. Having a few Voile straps in your pack, along with duct tape, wax, etc. can save your trip, should something unexpected happen to your gear.

With a little preparation and planning, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes in no time! When you set out for your next backcountry skiing trip, keep this checklist in mind to ensure you’ll have all your bases covered.

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Etienne OldenSeptember 13, 2022

Backcountry skiing is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re drawn to the gorgeous scenery or the exhilarating feeling that comes with skiing on the unmarked parts of the mountain, your first backcountry ski trip will be an unforgettable occasion.

Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure your first adventure will be memorable and worry-free:

1. Pack The Right Gear

Backcountry skiing is different from traditional alpine skiing because you have a great deal of hiking to do before you hit the slopes. So, you’ll need to pack gear that can accommodate both skiing as well as backpacking. First, you’ll need to start with the basics:

● Skis: the obvious reason you’re making the trek through the mountains!

● Boots: Find lightweight and waterproof boots that can get you through the snow with ease. You may even want to consider Strap-ins for extra comfort.

● Poles: You’ll want to be sure you have the right kind of poles for backcountry skiing; they’ll need to be adjustable so you can control them while hiking on a steep slope.

● Goggles: Make sure you keep your goggles in a dry place, such as the goggle pocket in your coat, while hiking to avoid fogging them up. Once you’re ready to ski down the slopes, pull them out and put them on.

● Helmet: Safety first! Since you’re skiing down the unmarked part of the mountains, it’s especially important to protect yourself in case of an accident.

● Gloves: Make sure you find a pair of good waterproof gloves (or two).

● Coat and vest: You’ll likely work up quite a sweat while hiking, so you won’t need your puffy coat right away, but keep it accessible for when you’re ready to ski.

● Navigation tools: The last thing you want to do is get lost. Bring a map, compass, and a GPS device.

● Sun protection: Even though it’s cold, the sun is quite reflective off the snow. Make sure you have sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm while backcountry skiing.

● Heat and light sources: Stock up on hand warmers, matches and a headlamp before hitting the slopes.

● Repair kit: You’ll be glad to have a ski repair kit on hand when you get ready to make your way back down the mountain.

● First aid kit: Better safe than sorry! Keep a small first aid kit with you for bandages, tape and antiseptic.

● Emergency shelter: A tarp or single-person tent will do.

● Food and water: Make sure you have plenty of power bars and water on hand. If you can, store them in a place they won’t freeze!

Do some research on your particular ski site to know exactly what items you’ll need to bring, as well as any other items you’d like to take with you. For instance, you can also bring personal care items like toilet paper and a fast drying towel, or you could bring other helpful accessories like a waterproof pad to sit on along the way.

2. Stay Energized

Similar to backpacking, backcountry skiing requires a lot of energy. Make sure you are snacking along the way to ensure you have plenty of calories and protein in your system. Power bars are great, as well as trail mix and easy-to-eat dry foods. When you’re hiking in the cold, it’s easy to overlook signs of dehydration, so drink plenty of water as well.

If you’re staying overnight in a hut or a yurt along the way, make sure you pack a single burner camp stove or other heat source for cooking. As awesome as energy bars are, a hot meal can go a long way when you’re in the backcountry. You can get creative with your meals as well, like storing pre-cracked eggs in a water bottle or thermos to avoid a mess while still getting a light, protein-rich breakfast in the morning.

3. Make Your Gear Work For You

In the backcountry, you’ll likely encounter steep slopes and loose, undisturbed snow. It’s important that you make your gear work for you. Adjust your poles to different heights to accommodate your needs. The pole on the higher end of the slope may need to be much shorter than the other, but it’s better to adjust than to exert more energy trying to make them work at the same height.

Similarly, try waxing both sides of your skis to help keep excess snow off the top. You’ll save a lot of strength in the long run. A little extra preparation will go a long way when you’re backcountry skiing.

4. Research your Route

If it’s your first time hitting the backcountry, you’ll want to make sure you have done your research well beforehand. Make sure your partner or group has become familiar with the trail you’ll be hiking, as well as the route you’ll be skiing.

Talk to the lodge staff as well, just to make sure there aren’t any surprises or dangerous spots to avoid.

5. Prepare For Any Situation

Finally, be prepared for any situation while you’re on the mountain. Have an emergency plan in case you need to call for a rescue team. Pack as if you’ll need to stay overnight. Even if you are just planning for a single-day adventure, bring extra food, clothing and heat sources to be safe.

Being prepared for your backcountry ski trip could be as simple as throwing a few extra items in your pack or splurging on a few upgrades in your gear. While you’re planning your first trip, read blogs, articles and skiing community forums to get the best advice on how to have a safe and successful skiing experience.

>>Need a Helmet? Click HERE for the Best Helmets of 2023-2024<<

>>Looking for another pair of Goggles? Click HERE for the Best Snowboarding Goggles of 2022-2023<<